Englewood Elementary School in Tuscaloosa is taking a proactive step to help students and families feel more confident with mathematics. The new “Math and Me” program, part of the University of Alabama’s Parent Teacher Leadership Academy, connects classroom lessons to everyday tasks such as cooking, grocery shopping, telling time, and playing games.
Program leadership and goals
The effort is being led by Englewood teacher Torrus McGill and parent partner Ms. Lee, with instructional support from school math coach Ms. Williams. By showing how numbers are used in daily life, organizers hope to replace anxiety with curiosity, giving children a practical reason to engage with math.
Volunteer opportunities
Englewood is actively recruiting volunteers from the surrounding community, the University of Alabama, and among parents. No prior teaching experience is required. Volunteers can assist with short math games, help assemble take‑home math kits, or support upcoming events. The school will provide all necessary materials, activity guides, and on‑site direction.
Family Game Night and community support
One of the program’s highlights will be a “Math and Me” Family Game Night, featuring dice, cards, and other interactive learning tools. While a specific date has not yet been set, the event is intended to bring families together for fun, educational play. Local businesses and community organizations are also invited to contribute supplies or help prepare learning kits.
How to get involved
Anyone interested in volunteering or exploring partnership opportunities can contact teacher Torrus McGill at [email protected]. The school encourages residents of Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas to join the effort, emphasizing that a collective community response can make a lasting impact on students’ attitudes toward math.
Why the program matters
Mathematics proficiency is a key component of academic success and future career readiness. By integrating real‑world examples, Englewood hopes to build a foundation of confidence that will serve students throughout their education. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen parental involvement in schools, a cornerstone of strong families and thriving neighborhoods.
With the support of volunteers, university partners, and local businesses, “Math and Me” aims to become a sustainable model for other schools in the Tuscaloosa area seeking to make math approachable and enjoyable for all.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
